Chronic pain in from osteoarthritis & stenosis

Posted by borwin98 @borwin98, Dec 25, 2025

I'm 96.5 years old and in constant extreme pain. I have chronic pain in my lower back with osteoarthritis, stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. The only thing my Doctor says is to take Tylenol, which has no effect. I've asked for something stronger, but he doesn't believe in pain pills. I have been trying to find another Doctor, but so far no luck. It would be nice to be pain-free for my few final days. Any suggestions?

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marthadean | @marthadean | Jan 19 8:27am

In reply to @borwin98 "@marthadean, I have heard that Aleve works well. I'll give it a try. Thank you for..." + (show)

Redosage: I take one tablet every six hours either just after a meal or with a bit of bread. I tried two pills and my blood pressure went way up. I have cut back on salt in meal preparation becasue the amount of sodium in Aleve is very high. Good luck

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jan 19 9:05am

In reply to @jaldog "I’ve been on tramadol and and hydrocodone for 20 years. Same dose. My hips both require..." + (show)

@jaldog Is there a reason why you are not having hip surgery (I assume you mean hip replacement) to relieve the pain?

mrmacabre | @mrmacabre | Jan 19 1:20pm

In reply to @rochesterminnesota "@mrmacabre Too much Aleve can damage kidneys!" + (show)

@rochesterminnesota I'm aware of that, that's why I only take it when I'm having a really bad day pain wise.

archie2 | @archie2 | Jan 20 3:22pm

In reply to @jaldog "I’ve been on tramadol and and hydrocodone for 20 years. Same dose. My hips both require..." + (show)

@jaldog
Hi. Archie here/-I know that you’re in pain, bout it hasn’t been related to your hips until recently, correct?? Once I know a bit about why you were taking Tramadol and hydrocodone for 20 years, it’s going to be helpful in understanding where your head, body, and pain meds now. Are you willing to share? Hips are exquisitely painful, but that is going away post surgery (theoretically), so what else has been chronic until now? There’s a lot of experience and expertise out here— I hope you decide to help us know you. This site is much more than a pity fest— real help can be found. Hope to hear from you.
Best Archie

dwilh | @dwilh | Jan 20 9:17pm

Dear @borwin98
You need a pain specialist doctor. He could help you with your pain. I have a lot the same thing as you have. I have my pain specialist and he gives me shots in my back and gabapentin for my pain. I really don't think I would be functioning if it weren't for him. You want your pain specialist to be young with the new training, they are wonderful!

If it was me I would have not lasted with your doctor even one appointment past him saying he doesn't believe in pain pills. He doesn't have the type of pain you and I have so, what does he know or care. Dump him!!! I don't suffer fools.

I have a lot of doctors and they all sympathize with my situation and the extreme pain I have. All of them try to work together to help me as much as possible. That is what I wish for you. Very best of luck.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 5 days ago

In reply to @rochesterminnesota "@mrmacabre Too much Aleve can damage kidneys!" + (show)

@rochesterminnesota, welcome. I look forward to learning more about you. Are you a Mayo Clinic, Rochester patient? Caregiver?

blue717 | @blue717 | 1 day ago

I have osteo, sciatica, Degenerative disc and a handful of other problems. Everyday I just try and "soldier through" the pain. When the pain hits 10+++, I will take Advil. With seeing Orthopedics, Pain Management, Chiropractors, and Primary care, for well over 20 years, they all could only offer drugs, shots, or pt. I have accepted that no one is going to "fix" me. Don't want shots. Cortisone is very bad for your body, and the longer you use it, the harder it is on your body. Drugs are drugs that can have serious side effects on major organs, plus being addictive. So I keep walking, stretching, and not giving in. The pain is better than dialysis!